Command Words

Question 1

analyse

Answer 1

examine in detail to show meaning, and to identify elements and the relationship between them

Question 2

assess

Answer 2

make an informed judgement

Question 3

compare

Answer 3

identify/comment on similarities and/or differences

Question 4

consider

Answer 4

review and respond to given information

Question 5

contrast

Answer 5

identify/comment on differences

Question 6

demonstrate

Answer 6

show how or give an example

Question 7

describe

Answer 7

state the points of a topic/give characteristics and main features

Question 8

develop

Answer 8

take forward to a more advanced stage or build upon given information

Question 9

discuss

Answer 9

write about issues or topic in depth in a structured way

Question 10

evaluate

Answer 10

judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount or value of something

Question 11

examine

Answer 11

investigate closely, in detail

Question 12

explain

Answer 12

set out purposes or reasons

Question 13

give

Answer 13

produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory

Question 14

identify

Answer 14

name/select/recognize

Question 15

justify

Answer 15

support a case with evidence/argument

Question 16

state

Answer 16

express in clear terms

Question 17

suggest

Answer 17

apply knowledge and understanding to situation where there is a range of valid responses in order to make proposals

Question 18

summarize

Answer 18

select and present the main points, without detail